Final answer:
To determine the values of b and c for the quadratic function f(x) = 2.6x² + bx + c, the y-intercept gives c = 4.1, and substituting the point (5, 87.6) into the function and solving for b yields b = 3.7.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quadratic function is given as f(x) = 2.6x² + bx + c. To find the values of b and c, we use the information provided:
- The y-intercept is at 4.1, which means f(0) = c = 4.1.
- The point (5, 87.6) lies on the graph, so f(5) = 2.6·(5)² + b·5 + 4.1 = 87.6.
Solving the equation 2.6·(5)² + b·5 + 4.1 = 87.6 gives us:
65 + 5b + 4.1 = 87.6
5b = 87.6 - 69.1
5b = 18.5
b = 3.7
Thus, we have determined the exact numeric values of the constants b and c to be 3.7 and 4.1, respectively.